Police Mineral Protection Unit to sensitize locals in Karamoja ahead of aerial survey

The Uganda Police Force department of Minerals Protection Unit has kicked off a program to sensitise locals in the Karamoja sub region ahead of the aerial survey that is set to begin soon.

According to Mineral Protection Unit Commandant, SP Jessica Keigomba, Aerial surveying will be done in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

She added that the unit, along with the line ministry have embarked on a sensitization and alertness campaign in the districts of Karamoja, to inform the locals that the exercise is for the good of the country.

Keigomba says this is not the first time the unit has visited the area as they have been to most parts of the country sensitizing the local artisanal miners about the dangers of illegal mining that is taking place countrywide, advising miners against the use of chemicals during mining and processing periods which is dangerous to the environment and human lives.

The exercise follows arrival of two aircrafts from a Spanish company, XCaliber on Tuesday which are expected to carryout aerial surveying in order to improve mineral exploration, increase local and foreign investment in Karamoja region and increase employment opportunities. The exercise, she said, has no risk or harm to health of human or animals.